Hidden Economic Value of Consistent Breeder Performance

10/07/2025

At UBEK 2025, The Animal Economics sat down for an exclusive conversation with Murat Yakar, Operations Manager for Aviagen TMENA (Turkey, Middle East & North Africa), to discuss a topic often underestimated in poultry economics: male management in parent stock flocks.

Yakar stressed that sustained breeder performance is directly tied to the economic value of production. A key point he raised: no matter how high the egg count is, without effective fertilization by males, chick output and quality will suffer—ultimately reducing profitability.

So, why is male (rooster) management so critical?

Because males are directly responsible for fertilization in breeder houses, and that determines hatchability and chick viability. Mismanagement can silently undercut entire production cycles.

Yakar outlined several key positive factors influencing male performance:

•    Bodyweight profile and uniformity during the rearing period

•    Physiological and biological development

•    Sexual maturity and synchronization before production

•    Male selection and condition management during production

On the other hand, poor rearing practices—like substandard bodyweight profiles or lack of uniformity—can delay sexual maturity and lower reproductive success. Yakar also pointed out that male-specific feeding programs play a crucial role in optimizing performance.

His message was clear: When rearing and production are properly managed, achieving strong male performance is absolutely within reach. And with that comes measurable gains in both productivity and economic returns.

📺 Watch the full exclusive interview with Murat Yakar now on The Animal Economics official YouTube channel.